Includes bibliographical references (p. [215]-242) and index
Lord sets aside the gossip about the Hell-Fire Clubs-- orgies, prostitutes, erotica, extreme initiation ceremonies-- in order to paint an accurate portrait of their membership, their beliefs and activities, and the reasons for their proliferation
Prelude to the fires of hell -- Gentlemen's clubs, journalistic hacks, the mohocks and change -- The Hell-Fire clubs -- Interlude abroad : the grand tour, dilettanti and divans -- The Medmenham friars -- Essay on woman : the friars exposed -- Public men and private vices -- Scotland and the fires of hell -- Beefsteaks, demoniacs, dalkey, colonial America